Mumbai, Feb 4 (PTI) – Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank's Country Head for India, met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, expressing the global lender's intent to increase its financial commitment to the state in the coming years.
Currently, the World Bank’s active portfolio in Maharashtra stands at USD 600 million across various sectors. However, Kouame highlighted that this amount had fallen below historical averages, largely due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and shifting priorities within the bank.
“We are keen to expand our support to Maharashtra in the near future,” Kouame told PTI after the meeting.
The discussions during the meeting revolved around several potential projects aimed at bolstering urban development, infrastructure, and sustainability. One of the major initiatives under consideration is a large-scale programme aimed at making urban spaces more livable, efficient, and sustainable. Kouame emphasized that while ideas have been explored, final decisions on any commitments would be made by the appropriate World Bank officials.
Water management, sanitation improvements, and strengthening urban local bodies were also key focus areas. The bank is particularly interested in supporting infrastructure projects related to transportation, which are crucial for the state’s future growth.
Another notable topic was the development of Maharashtra’s coastline, ensuring that it helps local communities build sustainable livelihoods while preserving the region’s natural biodiversity. The World Bank is also contemplating a follow-up investment in a project designed to enhance agricultural productivity across the state.
Flood resilience in cities and districts was another critical discussion point. Kouame confirmed that the bank is eager to help Maharashtra strengthen its infrastructure to combat the growing risk of flooding, which has been exacerbated by climate change.
The meeting also covered the state’s healthcare sector, with the World Bank expressing interest in promoting innovation and improving healthcare quality in Maharashtra. Additionally, ideas were shared on how the state could achieve its ambitious target of reaching a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of USD 1 trillion.
Kouame noted that the current World Bank portfolio in Maharashtra mainly focuses on agriculture, skills development, and district-level capacity building. However, he indicated that there are numerous other areas where the bank could collaborate with the state to drive further growth.
“Maharashtra is eager to engage with us on various fronts,” he said, highlighting the constructive discussions during the meeting.
When asked about Maharashtra’s financial health and the potential concerns over certain social sector schemes being criticized as "doles," Kouame refrained from commenting directly. He mentioned that the World Bank would await the state’s budget presentation next month before making any assessments regarding fiscal sustainability.
The meeting signals the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting Maharashtra’s development, with a focus on sustainable growth, infrastructure, and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Currently, the World Bank’s active portfolio in Maharashtra stands at USD 600 million across various sectors. However, Kouame highlighted that this amount had fallen below historical averages, largely due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and shifting priorities within the bank.
“We are keen to expand our support to Maharashtra in the near future,” Kouame told PTI after the meeting.
The discussions during the meeting revolved around several potential projects aimed at bolstering urban development, infrastructure, and sustainability. One of the major initiatives under consideration is a large-scale programme aimed at making urban spaces more livable, efficient, and sustainable. Kouame emphasized that while ideas have been explored, final decisions on any commitments would be made by the appropriate World Bank officials.
Water management, sanitation improvements, and strengthening urban local bodies were also key focus areas. The bank is particularly interested in supporting infrastructure projects related to transportation, which are crucial for the state’s future growth.
Another notable topic was the development of Maharashtra’s coastline, ensuring that it helps local communities build sustainable livelihoods while preserving the region’s natural biodiversity. The World Bank is also contemplating a follow-up investment in a project designed to enhance agricultural productivity across the state.
Flood resilience in cities and districts was another critical discussion point. Kouame confirmed that the bank is eager to help Maharashtra strengthen its infrastructure to combat the growing risk of flooding, which has been exacerbated by climate change.
The meeting also covered the state’s healthcare sector, with the World Bank expressing interest in promoting innovation and improving healthcare quality in Maharashtra. Additionally, ideas were shared on how the state could achieve its ambitious target of reaching a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of USD 1 trillion.
Kouame noted that the current World Bank portfolio in Maharashtra mainly focuses on agriculture, skills development, and district-level capacity building. However, he indicated that there are numerous other areas where the bank could collaborate with the state to drive further growth.
“Maharashtra is eager to engage with us on various fronts,” he said, highlighting the constructive discussions during the meeting.
When asked about Maharashtra’s financial health and the potential concerns over certain social sector schemes being criticized as "doles," Kouame refrained from commenting directly. He mentioned that the World Bank would await the state’s budget presentation next month before making any assessments regarding fiscal sustainability.
The meeting signals the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting Maharashtra’s development, with a focus on sustainable growth, infrastructure, and improving the quality of life for its residents.
